The Queensland Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 commenced operation on 16 April 2018. Businesses that fall within the relevant coverage definitions in the Act and the Regulations have until 15 June 2018 to lodge a licence application.

The South Australian Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 came into effect on 1 March 2018. Businesses that fall within the relevant coverage definitions have until 1 September 2018 to lodge a licence application.

The Queensland and South Australian Governments and labour hire licensing regulators have recently released explanatory information to provide more clarity about which types of businesses are required to obtain a licence. It is important for Members to realise that the scheme extends beyond those arrangements that are commonly understood as “labour hire”. It will cover many other types of arrangements where workers employed by one business carry out work for other businesses.

The Victorian Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 is currently before the Victorian Parliament. If the Bill is passed by Parliament, the legislation will introduce a labour hire licensing scheme with many similar features to the Queensland and South Australian schemes.

Members requiring information or assistance regarding the labour hire licensing legislation can contact the Ai Group Workplace Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77.